SafeCross | Devpost

Inspiration

While traveling through rural and forested areas in Kerala , I noticed a significant issue that has long gone unresolved—animal-vehicle collisions. These incidents are not only fatal to wildlife but also pose serious threats to human lives, especially in regions where wildlife crossings are common. Existing solutions like warning signs or fences have proven inadequate, as they neither prevent accidents effectively nor offer a comprehensive solution. Witnessing the devastating impact on both humans and animals, I was inspired to design SafeCross, a system that integrates technology, sustainability, and conservation to address this pressing problem.

What it does

SafeCross is an innovative road safety system designed to prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions while ensuring sustainable operation. At its core, it combines smart detection and alert mechanisms to protect both animals and drivers. Ultrasonic sensors detect the presence of animals near the road, triggering LED lights to alert approaching vehicles of potential danger. To deter animals from entering the roadway, high-frequency sound emitters emit non-harmful sounds that are inaudible to humans but effective at discouraging animals. The entire system is powered by solar energy, making it an environmentally friendly and low-maintenance solution. Additionally, SafeCross incorporates data logging to track wildlife crossing patterns, enabling authorities to identify and address high-risk zones more effectively.

How I built it

SafeCross was developed using a combination of advanced yet affordable technologies. The hardware includes ESP32 microcontrollers, which manage communication and processing, and ultrasonic sensors to detect animal movement and proximity. LED lights and sound emitters were chosen for their effectiveness and low power consumption. The software was programmed to facilitate real-time responses, with Bluetooth-enabled ESP32 modules communicating seamlessly over short distances to synchronize actions across multiple poles. The design focused on creating compact and weather-resistant poles that could be installed easily in rural and forested areas. Overall, the system was optimized to deliver high functionality at a cost that makes it accessible for widespread deployment.

Challenges we ran into

This project was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was establishing a reliable Bluetooth connection between the ESP32 devices. Configuring the ESP32 microcontrollers to communicate seamlessly and ensuring a secure connection took considerable time and effort. Debugging connection issues and synchronizing the responses of the devices under real-time conditions added to the complexity. Additionally, fine-tuning the ultrasonic sensors for accurate animal detection and integrating them with the system required precision. Ensuring the motors and sound emitters responded promptly without delay was another critical task. Despite these challenges, through persistence and troubleshooting, we managed to complete the project successfully. The result is a functional prototype that addresses a vital road safety issue

Achievements that we are proud of

It’s amazing to see how SafeCross has made a meaningful impact by merging sustainability with technology. One of its greatest accomplishments is its innovative and practical design, which effectively addresses animal-vehicle collisions while also promoting environmental conservation. The system’s simplicity and effectiveness have been widely recognized, proving its potential for large-scale implementation. A major milestone was developing a cost-effective solution suitable for rural deployment, making road safety and wildlife conservation more accessible. SafeCross successfully bridges this gap by integrating IoT, sensors, and solar energy, demonstrating the power of multidisciplinary innovation. Our efforts were recognized at Hack for Humanity, where we emerged victorious, and at the Biomimicry Build-a-Thon, further proving the impact and ingenuity of our approach. These achievements highlight the strength of our vision and the potential SafeCross holds in creating safer, more sustainable roads for the future. 🚀

What we learned

Throughout the development of SafeCross, we learned the importance of designing solutions that prioritize user needs and practicality. Understanding the behaviors and challenges faced by drivers and wildlife allowed us to create a system that is both intuitive and effective. The experience underscored the crucial role of sustainability in modern innovation, as renewable energy sources like solar power can drive impactful change without harming the environment. We also realized the value of iterative design, as refining our prototypes based on real-world testing and feedback significantly improved the system’s performance. Lastly, this project reinforced the importance of collaboration and awareness, highlighting how technological solutions can address pressing issues while fostering a greater understanding of conservation needs.

What’s next for SafeCross

The journey for SafeCross doesn’t end here. Our next step is to enhance its detection capabilities by integrating AI-based image recognition to differentiate between animals and other objects on the road. This would allow for even more precise and efficient responses. We also plan to develop a companion app that notifies drivers directly about wildlife crossings ahead, further improving safety and awareness. Partnering with local governments and NGOs is a priority to expand SafeCross to high-risk regions, ensuring it reaches areas that need it the most. Additionally, we aim to incorporate features like water conservation and air quality monitoring, making the system multifunctional and more impactful. To further enhance its sustainability, we will refine and optimize its solar energy systems, ensuring SafeCross operates reliably with minimal environmental impact. Finally, scaling the project to address similar challenges in other countries remains a key part of our vision, contributing to global road safety and wildlife conservation efforts..

SafeCross is more than a project; it represents a commitment to creating safer roads, protecting wildlife, and fostering harmony between human development and nature.